2012 Nissan Qashqai 1.6L Petrol · ST61 KUB

The 2012 Nissan Qashqai has demonstrated a mixed but ultimately concerning maintenance trend, with the most recent MOT test on 7 November 2025 at 105,499 miles passing without defects. This suggests the vehicle was brought up to standard for the current test cycle, though the absence of advisories or minor faults in the latest record does not negate the persistent issues highlighted in prior years. The 2024 test revealed critical corrosion on both rear coil springs and a central rear exhaust heat shield insecurity, while the 2023 failure exposed severe drivetrain and suspension component degradation, including split CV boots and deteriorated ball joint dust covers. These recurring faults indicate a vehicle where critical components have either been neglected or, in some cases, temporarily addressed without resolving underlying wear patterns. The most recent clean pass does not imply stability—it may reflect a last-minute overhaul before testing, masking deeper concerns. The mileage progression of 105,499 miles over 14 years averages approximately 7,500 miles annually, a rate consistent with typical light-to-moderate usage. However, the gap between the 2023 failure (78,003 miles) and the subsequent 2023 pass (78,004 miles) suggests the vehicle was either stood unused for an extended period or driven very little before the retest. This anomaly contrasts with the steady accumulation in later years, where the 2024 test at 92,928 miles and the 2025 test at 105,499 miles reflect a more typical usage pattern. The lack of MOT records between 2022 and 2023—despite the vehicle’s age—raises questions about whether the 2022 pass was the final test before the 2023 failure, or if there was an undocumented period of non-use or informal repairs. A buyer should prioritise an immediate inspection of the suspension and drivetrain components, given the repeated failures in these areas. The 2023 CV boot splits and the 2022 deterioration of ball joint dust covers strongly imply ongoing fluid ingress and accelerated wear in the front suspension and driveshafts. The 2024 corrosion on rear coil springs, while not immediately catastrophic, signals structural fatigue that could compromise ride quality and handling over time. The central rear exhaust heat shield insecurity from 2024 also warrants verification—loose or missing shields can lead to exhaust system damage and emissions leaks. Tyre condition remains a concern; the 2024 and 2022 tests flagged near-legal tread depths, suggesting either inconsistent tyre rotation or delayed replacement. Finally, the registration plate lamp failure in 2024, though minor, indicates a broader pattern of neglect in electrical or lighting systems that may extend to other less-obvious components.